A virus that can cause chronic gut infections could be the cause of a subtype of Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers from Arizona State University and Banner Alzheimer’s Institute. In a study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia they propose that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) may travel from the gut to the brain via the vagus nerve, triggering immune responses that lead to Alzheimer’s-related changes, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Although new to mainstream researchers the link between disruption of the gut microbiome and neurodegenerative disease is well known amongst practitioners in the integrative health community.
Recent research, published in Gut, suggests that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) high in inflammatory seed oils may increase the risk of colon cancer. Such foods can lead to chronic inflammation, a known factor in cancer development along with a range of other chronic diseases. While the researchers indicate that more studies are needed, we see the evidence daily of the health risks associated with diets high in UPFs and seed oils, reinforcing that it’s strongly advisable to limit their consumption.
Exposure to glyphosate can cause significant brain inflammation and increase the risk of people developing neurodegenerative disease according to a new mouse study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation, revealing an array of damage to the brain caused by glyphosate.
A new report from Friends of the Earth and Profundo warns that US food retailers face a multi-billion dollar bill from financial, climate, and biodiversity risks by 2050 due to ongoing pesticide use. The report urges retailers to reduce pesticide use and promote organic farming to mitigate these risks.
In a major about turn, as the countdown begins to the inauguration of President-elect Trump, social media giant, Meta, is doing away with its third-party fact-checkers. In an announcement last week, Meta founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg said the decision had been made because they’re “too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they’ve created.” The platform will instead introduce a Community Notes system, similar to that used by X, to facilitate more free and transparent communications. It remains to be seen just how “free” speech will become on Meta platforms, but it appears that it may be making an about-face from its stance during the pandemic. Time will tell.
A new House Judiciary Committee reportraises alarm over the increased use of AI-driven censorship, warning it may violate First Amendment rights. The report highlights concerns about the government’s use of AI to moderate online content and calls for stronger safeguards to protect free speech. It’s time to ensure technology doesn’t compromise our fundamental rights.
A recently released report from the National Academies examines the origins, impacts, and mitigation strategies of science ‘misinformation’. The report highlights the role of cognitive biases, social media algorithms, and the rapid spread of false information in propagating misinformation. It recommends strategies such as improving public science literacy, promoting critical thinking, and implementing systemic changes to reduce the spread and impact of misinformation. The question is who sets the agenda and decides what the science should say?
